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Throughout its existence, the MLC has been inspired by North Shore native and former Librarian of Congress Archibald MacLeish, who was born in Glencoe on May 7, 1892.

According to American Libraries magazine, “…MacLeish, who served the library during World War II, stands out as perhaps the most extraordinarily successful Librarian of Congress. Appointed by President Roosevelt, he was a poet and playwright who won three Pulitzer prizes and was a wartime advisor to the president."

In recent years, the MLC has honored Mr. MacLeish’s memory by purchasing MacLeish-related books and then donating them to the Glencoe Public Library. The first book was a signed, limited edition copy of MacLeish’s "New and Complete Poems: 1917–1976". The MLC later purchased a signed copy of “Uphill with Archie”, a memoir by his son William H. MacLeish.

We encourage interested readers to visit your local library to learn more about the muti-faceted, multi-talented Archibald MacLeish - North Shore native, Pulitzer Prize winning poet, playwright, journalist, lawyer, and Librarian of Congress (1939-1944) – during this, the 125th year of his birth.